Alaskan Moose

Characteristics

The Alaskan Moose are long-legged and heavy bodied with a
drooping nose. Under their chin they have a fold of hair-covered skin called a dewlap or bell. Alaskan moose also have a short tail. Their coats range in color from golden
brown to black, depending on the season and the age of the animal. Newborn
calves are typically a red-brown, which fades to a lighter rust color within a
few weeks. Their large antlers make them easily recognized but are only carried
by males. The largest sized antlers (trophy size) are usually developed by ages
10-12.

Behavior

The Alaskan Moose is highly active during the day,
especially at dawn and dusk. They are very good swimmers and can swim as fast
as six miles per hour. They generally only encounter other moose for mating and
courtship. They are known to be peaceful animals but can become aggressive if
they feel threatened.

Did You Know?

The Alaskan Moose is known as moose across North
America, but called elk in Europe.

Moose communicate through a variety of
vocalization, noises, body positioning, and odors.

A mature female moose is called a cow, and can
birth one to two calves.

Our Animals

We have two Alaskan Moose here at Potter Park Zoo. Willow, our female, was named for one of the primary elements in her diet, willow branches. She was
born in May of 2013, and brought to the zoo after being orphaned in Alaska. Meeko, our male, was also brought to the zoo after being orphaned in Alaska. He was born in the spring of 2014.